TUCCAN Activities Update

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Rethinking Africa's Growth Strategy was the theme of the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 5-7 May 2010. Thirteen African heads of state/government took part, together with more than 1,000 participants from 85 countries.

Akeju Olukemi is one of a select group of five Global Changemakers of the British Council who have been invited to attend the Forum in their capacity as youth social entrepreneurs.

The other 4 young leaders from Africa are from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Liberia. The event gave opportunity to the young participants to share their projects with the forum during the Ideal Lab presentation. TUCCAN Foundation share her girl child empowerment project tagged “The Girl Child on the Frontline” with the THEME: Setting the Stage for the Girl Effect.

Following on this event is the invitation by His Excellency, President Guebuza Armando of Republic of Mozambique to visit Mozambique on experience sharing with the country Ministry of Youth Development and other youth led initiatives.

TUCCAN 7 Strategic Focus

1. School- Partnership for Sanitation Project: TUCCAN Green Club{TGC} in Schools

2. The “CCP- Changed Children Project” - Slogan “Adding Value to a Street Child”

3. Leadership Development for Positive Citizenship {LEADPOC}-Monthly Leadership Training targeting Young People & Youth Serving Organizations

4. Girl Child on the Frontline {GCF}

5. Better Service Through Better Citizenship {Working with Public Sector for Efficient Services}

6. Safe Life Plan {SLIP} “Facing the Dragon-Negotiating Healthy Life for All}

7. Reading for Living {REAL}

Ensuring 2015 Reality

Following the United Nation Millenniums Development adopted at the millennium summits held 6^th-8^th September 2000 in New York, Nigeria has been committed to the realization of the MDGs by 2015. The goals were targets for making measurable improvements in the lives of the worlds poorest citizens, participant countries were expected to articulate policies, strategies and plans which will facilitate the achievement the eight MDGs, while the UN Development system was to work closely with countries to facilitate the nation’s effort ( with the eight goals). Nigeria, African’s most populous country is endowed with huge resources potential including natural and human resources. However, despite this endowment, the annual GDP growth rate in Nigeria has averaged only 3 percent per annum during the last decade, since the population has also grown at approximately the same rate, the welfare of the average Nigeria has not improved significantly. Thus Nigeria is now ranked among the poorest countries in the world.

Three main challenges to Nigeria’s development were identified, they include:

1.Heavy external debt burden that affects the finances of the government and the economy.

2.Poverty which is due to poor resource utilization.

3.Corruption which makes Nigeria unattractive to investors as it raises the cost and risk of

doing business in the country.

Though, Nigeria has the potential to reach some of the target related to achieving universal primary education, ensuring environmental stability and developing a global partnership for development. However, based on available information, it is unlikely that the country will be able to meet most of the goals by the year 2015. Over the years, several programs have been designed and implemented at huge cost in response to development problems, but there has been a lack of specific indicators to monitor performance. There are several weaknesses in project implementation procedures and the system of information gathering and management in Nigeria. It is observed that there is a lack of sustained gathering of relevant information to aid policy decision making.

The Nigerian government have made some inputs so far in achieving the MDGs and NEEDs, some include:

1. Establishment of NAPEP (National Poverty Eradication Program)

2. Universal basic education- free basic education at Primary & Secondary School Stages

3. Increase the number of women involvement in national development

4. Introduction of National Programme on Immunization reduce child mortality.

5. Health Sector Reform to provide basic amenities especially to tackle problems faced by

women thereby reducing high mortality.

6. Establishment of NACA, SACA, and malaria control programs to combat HIV/AIDs, malaria

and others diseases.

7. Budget allocation to fight environmental problems such as erosion and desertification.

8. Fight against corruption through global partnership and many more.

Most of the inputs made by the Nigerian government towards achieving the MDGs through its NEED strategies are not known to most Nigerians, especially those at the grass root; and making information available to all Nigerians about MDG and NEED strategies will aid policy decision making towards achieving these goals by the year 2015. About 75% of Nigerians are not aware of the MDGs and NEED strategies due to lack of proper information dissemination. At TUCCAN Foundation, we believe making information available on MDGs and NEED strategies will enhance community or people’s participation and coordination of programs towards MDGs and NEEDs.

The “The Changed Children” Project

The “Changed Children” Project is an initiative of Foundation for Turning Community Concern into Citizen Action in Nigeria Project. CCP is focusing on what the Almajiri children need to survive and have opportunities to lead stable, rewarding lives. CCP is advocating for the rights of the Almajiri children to survive; to be safe; to belong; and to develop. CCP believes in SAVE THE CHILDREN vision that all children are equally entitled to have rights; and promoting children’s rights to children provides a platform for healthy personal development and respect for the civil and political forces that underpin stable societies.

The CCP education is aimed at preparing the Almajiri’s child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin.

CCP Objectives

to argue for the elimination of the most hazardous and exploitative forms of children’s work
to advocate for support of Almajiris’ schools, the root cause of children needing to work
to highlight the need to improve children’s rights for appropriate education, healthcare and recreation to all concerned actors
to ensure that Almajiris children have the opportunity to play an active role in making decisions that affect their lives
developing a way to build good and healthy relationship between the Almajiris children, other children and the communities at large
challenging discrimination
providing services for Almajiris children, such as informal moral education, free health care and intellectual recreation activities
co-coordinating family tracing and reunification programmes for the Almajiris families so reducing the risks faced by the Almajiris

TUCCAN Activities Update

Blog Pages

TUCCAN 7 Strategic Focus

Clarifying Issues on Rebranding Nigeria Initiative

Ensuring 2015 Reality

The Almajiri Syndrome

The “The Changed Children” Project

About Me

Blog Archive

TUCCAN Mission Statement

2010 World Economic Forum on Africa

TUCCAN Activities Update

Blog Pages

TUCCAN 7 Strategic Focus

Clarifying Issues on Rebranding Nigeria Initiative

Ensuring 2015 Reality

The Almajiri Syndrome

The “The Changed Children” Project

About Me

Blog Archive

TUCCAN Mission Statement

2010 World Economic Forum on Africa

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